Cowboys fire defensive coach Rob Ryan

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been fired following a disappointing season, the team announced Tuesday.

Cowboys head Coach Jason Garrett said Ryan was dismissed after the Dallas defense misfired down the stretch of the 2012 campaign as the Cowboys finished their last six games 3-3 and missed the playoffs.

"I want to express my appreciation to Rob for all of his efforts and contributions to the Cowboys over the past two years," Garrett said in a statement. "At this time, the decision has been made to move forward in a different direction philosophically on defense.

"I have an immense amount of respect for Rob as a person and as a football coach and I wish him and his family the very best."

Ryan's squad allowed 25 points per game this past season, ninth-most in the league, and finished 19th in total defense, Fox Sports said.

Ryan has also served a defensive coordinator for Cleveland and Oakland and was linebackers coach for New England during his 12-year NFL career.

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